Each "Beyond the Headlines" show focuses on a different topic affecting the people who make up the fabric of the Bay Area. Today's program looks at Early Childhood Development, those precious years between birth and 5-years-old.

We know that nurturing young minds is key to ensuring a healthy and happy childhood. Our guests show us how the future of our society depends on our ability to develop this next generation.

Research has shown that exercising a baby's brain the first years of life has a dramatic impact on their development. The Bay Area Council took note of that during their annual Outlook Conference because well-educated children will have an effect on California's economy. ABC7 News reporter Lyanne Melendez filed this story in May.